epping forest college - designing librariesepping forest college demco interiors was the designer...
TRANSCRIPT
Epping Forest College Demco Interiors was the designer for the first phase of
the regeneration of Epping Forest College library into
The Learning Lounge.
Technological developments at Epping Forest College
transformed the College LRC into a ‘next generation
resource centre’ – a major place for gathering, accessing,
encouraging and developing knowledge. The new Service
was renamed Digital Literacy, Voice & Innovation and
entered a two year transformational phase marked with
initial learner focused re-branding: The Learning Lounge.
Vikki Liogier, Head of Digital Literacy, Voice and Innovation,
explains: “Our vision for The Learning Lounge was based
on insight from research and consultation, as well as
supporting the College in delivering high quality courses
and encouraging independent and social learning, digital
literacies and employability to all. The key factor was
to build a culture where “Learning is fun, creative and
accessible.
We then drew in the expertise of Demco Interiors who
guided us through the complexities of phasing the design
and furnishings to create a destination that would create a
buzz throughout the College. A phased approach made us
consider what we needed now and what could wait”.
Demco’s brief was to design a number of micro
environments that would be versatile and democratic.
An intuitive, responsive and flexible design was important
so that students could easily engage with the resources and
work individually or collaboratively, using a variety of either
fixed (Macs and PC’s) or loanable mobile technology such
as netbooks, video cameras, laptops and iPads.
The task was also to demystify the space so that everyone
would feel welcome and inspired. Stock was drastically
reduced with the intention to develop more ergonomic and
accessible eCollections while offering a broader appeal
to stakeholders through diversification of resources and
interaction opportunities.
The transformation has been extremely successful and
induction feedback revealed that 100% of EFC learners can
now find the space to meet their learning needs as opposed
to 27% last June 2014
Vikki Liogier added that the innovative redesign has also
contributed to an increase in the service’s footfall by over
20% and the college is not only looking forward to phase 2
regeneration but is also planning for the creation of similar
micro spaces cross-college.
If you would like to know more about how Demco Interiors
can transform your learning or library space call 01992
454600 or email [email protected] or visit
www.demcointeriors.co.uk
Shipton Way, Express Park, Rushden, Northants NN10 6GL T +44 (0) 1992 454600
F +44 (0) 1933 318918 E [email protected] www.demcointeriors.co.uk